Hastings Business Association changes itself to become a 'Business Improvement District'

A vote asking the Hastings City Business Association's members if they supported transforming the association into a BID closed on March 21. Photo / Warren Buckland

Hastings City Business Association is now officially a Business Improvement District.

A vote asking the Hastings City Business Association's members if they supported transforming the association into a BID closed on March 21.

The result was revealed after allowing a week for votes posted on closing day to arrive.

Just over 30 per cent of the association's members voted, said chairman Craig Riddiford, with 94 per cent of those who voted supporting the proposal.

"We are very pleased with the turnout and the outcome," Riddiford said.

"It is never easy to catch busy people's attention and get them to make time to research, think about and then vote on issues such as these. We are very pleased that near 200 of our members did make that time.

"As well as resolving to become a BID, which sets processes in place that have been proven within New Zealand and internationally, this vote provides the association and its team with a mandate to carry on the good work that has been achieved over of the past 20-plus years."

The next step is to consult the membership on finalising the action plan for the next financial year, starting July 1, the draft of which was unveiled at an association meeting in February.

"We will be doing that predominately by email and we are really hoping that members will take the time to have a look at it and give us their thoughts. Together, we can make a difference to our city – making it a great place, to work, shop and do business."